Best DSLR Cameras for Beginners
If you’re a new photographer, you’ve probably heard a lot of things about DSLRs.
DSLR (Digital single-lens reflex) cameras are the industry standard for pro photographers since they provide more information than the camera on your phone.
In addition, they have a seemingly limitless amount of accessories, lenses, and settings, allowing you to customize the camera to your exact specifications.
This gives you the freedom to capture a photo however you want.
It’s worth noting that the lens you choose affects the overall performance of a camera, whether DSLR or mirrorless.
This is because the lens controls how much light enters the camera, meaning it influences the AF (autofocus), DoF (depth of field), and stabilization performance of a picture, and that’s without mentioning its physical aspect.
As a general rule, it’s preferable to spend less on a camera body and more on high-res lenses than it is to spend more on a camera body and inexpensive lenses.
That said, let’s look at some of the best DSLR cameras for beginners.
Best DSLR Cameras for Beginners Include:
| Best DSLR Cameras for Beginners | Image Resolution | Video Resolution | Display | Lens Mount | Memory | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS Rebel T7 | 24.1 MP | Full HD | 3" Fixed-Type | Canon EF-S | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 3.1 x 5.1 x 4 in | 16.64 oz. |
| Nikon D3400 | 24.2 MP | Full HD | 3" Fixed-Type | Nikon F | SDHC, and SDXC | 4.9 x 3.9 x 3 in | 15.7 oz. |
| Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | 20 MP | 4K | 3" Tilting Touchscreen | MFT | UHS-II | 4.8 x 1.9 x 3.3 in | 13.4 oz. |
| Pentax K-70 | 24.2 MP | Full HD | 3" Vari-Angle | Pentax K | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 2.9 x 4.9 x 3.7 in | 16 oz. |
| Pentax KP | 24.1 MP | Full HD | 3" Fixed-Type | APS-C | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99 in | 24.8 oz. |
1. Canon EOS Rebel T7
The EOS Rebel T7 is one of Canon’s most affordable DSLRs, making it a highly cost-effective way to access a seemingly unlimited array of lenses, flashguns, and other accessories.
Because of its modest price, this flip screen camera doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of its bigger cousins, such as 4K (2160p) video, a flip-out LCD display, and so on, but it still has a lot of tactile control.
Furthermore, it is designed specifically for its target demographic (beginners), with a Feature Guide to assist you to grasp everything.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 24.1 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: Full HD
- Display: 3″ Fixed-Type
- Lens Mount: Canon EF-S
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 3.1 x 5.1 x 4 inches
- Weight: 16.64 ounces
2. Nikon D3400
No need to worry about DSLRs being difficult to use because the Nikon D3400 has a fantastic ‘Guide’ shooting mode, which offers an interactive guide to photography and camera settings through the back LCD display.
The controls of the D3400 are simple to use; however, due to its low price, it foregoes some of the more complex functions.
Overall, the image quality and performance of the D3400 are excellent for the price, and the 5fps burst rate is impressive for a beginner DSLR.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 24.2 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: Full HD
- Display: 3″ Fixed-Type
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Memory: SDHC and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.9 x 3 inches
- Weight: 15.7 ounces
3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV from Olympus has a new 20MP sensor, considerably better in-body image stabilization, and a redesigned flip-down and tiltable display.
The Mark IV is a terrific buy for anybody looking for an entry-level DSLR that can handle pretty much everything since it retains the 4K video and beautiful aesthetics that made the Mark III so appealing to customers.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 20 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Display: 3″ Tilting Touchscreen
- Lens Mount: MFT
- Memory: UHS-II
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 1.9 x 3.3 inches
- Weight: 13.4 ounces
4. Pentax K-70
For anyone looking for a DSLR other than what’s offered by the ‘big two’ DSLR makers, the Pentax K-70 remains a decent value alternative. It’s especially a superb acquisition if you have a stash of old Pentax lenses.
The K-70’s flexible screen is quite handy, and the hybrid live view autofocus mechanism makes it a viable alternative to utilizing the viewfinder.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 24.2 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: Full HD
- Display: 3″ Vari-Angle
- Lens Mount: Pentax K
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 2.9 x 4.9 x 3.7 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
5. Pentax KP
The Pentax KP is a 24MP APS-C digital SLR that borrows heavily from the full-frame K-1 in terms of appearance and functionality.
Sold as a body only, it comes with typical Pentax features such as complete weather-sealing, in-body five-axis Shake Reduction, and ‘Pixel Shift Resolution.’
On the surface, the KP appears to be a perplexing idea. It’s available for the same price as Pentax’s APS-C flagship, the K-3 II, but lacks key K3 features like GPS in favor of an additional control dial, in-built flash, and swappable grips.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 24.1 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: Full HD
- Display: 3″ Fixed-Type
- Lens Mount: APS-C
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99 inches
- Weight: 24.8 ounces
Final Thought
If you’re new to digital photography, you have quite a few different digital camera options.
While you may be hesitant to select an entry-level DSLR as a first camera due to its complexity and price, camera manufacturers have done an excellent job in recent years of designing DSLR cameras that are suitable for new photographers.
See Also
Best DSLR Camera for Filmmaking
Best Beginner Drone with Camera
